Rest Area Full During Backflow? Don't Even Stop At The Shoulder Of The Road, It's Better To Follow This Advice From The Minister Of Transportation

JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi reminded travelers who will return to overseas not to stop at the shoulder of the road when the rest area on the toll road is full. Besides being dangerous, this can also cause congestion.

This was conveyed by Budi ahead of the Eid return which is predicted to reach its peak on Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 8.

"Don't force yourself to use the rest area on the toll road if it's full, and don't stop on the shoulder of the road, because apart from endangering the safety of yourself and other road users, it can also cause congestion," Budi said as quoted from his written statement, Wednesday, 4 May.

People who will return to overseas can exit the toll road in the nearest city if they feel bored or tired of traveling. They can rest in a place that has been provided by the local government, police, and other elements.

"If they are tired, people can exit the toll road in the nearest city, and can rest in the places that have been prepared. Here it is safer and more flexible," he said.

"Starting from the sub-district office, urban village, police station, and other places have been prepared as a place of temporary rest," added Budi.

In addition, the public is asked to keep updating information about the ongoing traffic engineering. Budi said this could be done by accessing the official social media owned by the toll road operator and the police.

"We also urge you to drive well, don't cross the lane and obey the instructions from the officers in the field. Make sure that the process is also carried out properly," he said.

Furthermore, people who will return from their hometowns to overseas are also asked to return earlier before the peak of the homecoming flow. Moreover, there are two main points that are predicted to experience congestion, namely the Semarang-Jakarta toll road and the Bakauheni-Red crossing.

"Mr. President Joko Widodo pays special attention to the handling of backflow to avoid overcrowding, by urging the public to return early before the peak of the backflow on May 6, 7 and 8, 2022," said Budi.

"Or if the leave can be extended, you should go home after May 8," he concluded.